Toxic smear (From The Oxford Times)

Toxic smear

8:20am Thursday 26th April 2012 in Letters

Sir – While Mr Newhofer's letter in last week's edition may not have provided the illumination on the argument about academies he hoped for, he is absolutely right in concluding that, however a school is categorised, the learning and teaching within it, together with parental support are essential elements for success; in their turn, they need enlightened leadership so that they can become melded and focused to the benefit of each child and the school as a whole.

Which is why the adjoining letter from the parents of Eynsham Primary School is so pertinent.

I think it likely that some, if not all of them attended the new school opened in the late 1970s under the inspired leadership of George Baines and his deputy, Judith Purser.

These two were the epitome of good leadership, encouraging and developing the essential elements mentioned above.

The parents allege that Ofsted ignored evidence that these qualities were being maintained to parents’ satisfaction. They should surely exercise their right to appeal.

Such Ofsted unfounded use of words such as “inadequacy” toxically smear, quite unjustly, schools which are performing well.

Martin Sheldon, Headington Quarry